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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 25, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: impersonation scam, military romance scam ( 10 ), romance scam ( 70 ), Scams ( 1,368 )   

  Recognizing romance scams in a military town 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Jacksonville, Florida, has a significant military history and continues to have a strong military presence today. It is home to several major military installations. The area’s military roots can be traced back to World War II, when the need for naval air operation bases led to the development of Naval Air Station Jacksonville. This installation became a central hub for naval aviation training and operations.

  So it should come as no surprise that Jacksonville, like many other military town, is vulnerable to military romance scams. One of the more common tactics romance scammers use is impersonating military service members. They craft believable stories and manipulate emotions to exploit people, often leading to requests for money. If you suspect that someone you’ve met online might be a scammer posing as a military member, here’s how to spot the fakes and protect yourself.

  Scammers frequently use stolen photos of real military personnel. If you’re doubtful about a profile, a reverse image search can be your first line of defense. This allows you to see if the photo appears elsewhere on the internet, perhaps on multiple profiles under different names, which is a red flag.

  Take the individual’s name and add terms like “scam” or “imposter” to your search query. This can reveal if others have reported similar experiences or if the person has been flagged as a scammer. This step can provide you with crucial information that might save you from falling into a trap.

  The most glaring red flag is when they ask for money. Scammers will weave elaborate tales of need, but the story always ends with them asking for your financial help. If your online acquaintance asks for money, such as emergencies, equipment, or even plane tickets, be very skeptical. Remember, genuine connections do not start with a financial transaction.

  If they request money through non-traditional channels like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrencies, it’s almost certain that you’re dealing with a scammer. These methods are preferred by fraudsters due to the difficulty of tracing and retrieving funds once they’re sent.

  Scammers often have reasons why they can’t meet in person or appear on a video call. They might claim to be stationed overseas or in a highly secure area. If you find inconsistencies in their stories or continuous excuses that keep them from meeting you face-to-face, it’s likely a scam.

  Scammers are adept at forming quick emotional connections. Talks of love and marriage can come too quickly when someone has ulterior motives. Be cautious of someone who professes deep feelings without ever having met you, as this is a common tactic used to lower your defenses.

  Always approach online relationships with caution, especially if the person claims to be a military service member stationed overseas. Use the tools and tips above to verify their identity. Protecting your heart and your wallet starts with skepticism and verifying the authenticity of those you meet online. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 20, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bank scam ( 70 ), customer service ( 50 ), duplicate purchase, impersonation scam, Scams ( 1,368 ), tech support scam ( 50 )   

  Victim falls to duplicate purchase scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In a world increasingly dependent on digital communication, tech support scams have become alarmingly sophisticated. This was the unfortunate reality for an Orlando resident, who recently fell victim to such a scam, losing $2500 in the process. Despite the scammers not getting away with any money, the ordeal continues as he struggles to get a refund from the merchant.

  The victim was simply trying to share photos between his phone and computer when he encountered a pop-up warning about a problem with his Microsoft account. The pop-up directed him to an online chat for assistance, where things quickly took a sinister turn.

  He initially believed the support was legitimate. The online chat session led him to a supposed Microsoft specialist who called him and convinced him to allow remote access to his computer. What seemed like a routine tech support call soon escalated into a high-stress scam scenario.

  The scammer, posing as a tech support specialist, claimed that the victim’s computer and phone had been compromised, and there was likely an issue with his bank account. He was then connected with another scammer pretending to be a bank manager, who falsely claimed that $7000 had been stolen from his account through the purchase of gift cards.

  The fake bank manager suggested a dubious solution: to make a duplicate purchase of the gift cards, which would allegedly trigger an account alert and allow him to cancel both transactions. Despite feeling uncomfortable, the victim was desperate to secure his funds. He purchased ten $250 gift cards from a local store, totaling $2500.

  When the scammers asked the victim to read the numbers on the back of the gift cards, he finally realized something was amiss. Fortunately, he hadn’t scratched off the PINs or given the scammers any card numbers.

  However, the situation worsened when he sought a refund from the merchant. The company froze the cards, which he initially thought was part of the refund process. Despite this, he has been unable to get his money back or even use the cards, which remain frozen.

  If you ever receive unexpected contact from someone claiming to be from tech support or a financial institution, the best course of action is to end the call and directly contact the company using verified contact information. It’s also important to note that financial banks will never request a withdrawal of funds in such situations.

  It’s crucial to remember that legitimate banks will never ask you to make duplicate purchases or buy gift cards to resolve issues with your account. Such requests are clear red flags of a scam. Always verify any unusual instructions directly with your bank through official contact methods to protect yourself from fraud.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 19, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: 411, airline tickets ( 4 ), funeral ( 14 ), impersonation scam, Scams ( 1,368 )   

  Ticket scam keeps widow from husband’s funeral 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A 79-year-old widow from Central Florida missed her husband’s funeral due to a sophisticated scam. She had cherished 59 wonderful years with her late husband.

  Her husband passed away in March, and the family had planned to lay him to rest in their family cemetery in Wisconsin. The widow, along with her son and grandson, was scheduled to fly from Orlando-Sanford International Airport to Appleton, Wisconsin, on June 1. However, a medical emergency forced her to miss the initial flight. Determined to attend her husband’s funeral, she had to book a last-minute ticket on her own.

  Admittedly, not being tech-savvy, she dialed 411 to get the contact details for the airline. She was connected to a man who claimed to be from the airline, and explained her urgent need for a flight. The man quoted an exorbitant price of $988 for a roundtrip flight, citing the funeral as a reason for the inflated cost. He even provided what seemed to be a legitimate airline boarding pass with a confirmation code.

  She arrived at the airport with her confirmation code. The ticket counter accepted the code, issued her a boarding pass, checked her luggage, and even provided wheelchair assistance through TSA. Yet, when it was time to board, she was left at the gate.

  An airline supervisor broke the devastating news that her ticket was not valid. The supervisor claimed the widow was not the first of their customers to be scammed in this way. Additionally, the scammers had charged her card over a dozen times in small amounts, totaling roughly $2,000. Although her luggage made it to Appleton, Wisconsin, she missed her husband’s funeral.

  Airline customers should book directly through the airline’s official website to avoid falling victim to such scams. To ensure you have the correct customer service number, visit the airline’s website and obtain the number directly from there.

  If you rely solely on a web search for the airline’s phone number, there’s a high probability you could end up calling a scammer, as they often place ads on search engines to pose as airlines. Additionally, while calling 411 used to be a reliable way to get correct phone information, this service has largely been phased out by most phone providers.

  To protect yourself from scams, always verify the identity of who you are calling before providing any personal or financial information. Double-check phone numbers directly on the airline’s official website, and be cautious of search engine ads and outdated services like 411. Taking these extra steps can help ensure your safety and peace of mind when making travel arrangements.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 14, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: CISA, impersonation scam, police impersonation scam ( 64 ), Scams ( 1,368 ), U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency   

  Why do scammers pose as the CISA, and what is it? 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Scammers are never above impersonating any branch of the government. Most commonly, they pose as the IRS, the Social Security Administration, or the FBI. Now, it appears scammers are posing as an obscure office of the government to further their fraudulent schemes.

  The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is a federal agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for enhancing the security, resilience, and reliability of the nation’s cybersecurity and critical infrastructure. Overall, the CISA plays a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure and ensuring that the United States can effectively prevent, respond to, and recover from diverse threats and hazards.

  In a recent notice on its site, the CISA is warning Americans that phone scammers have begun impersonating the agency. Just like with other similar scams, this one involves the person pretending to be from CISA asking the caller to send cash, cryptocurrency, or gift cards to them.

  The CISA’s warning does not go into detail how exactly their agency is being used in scams, but it’s not difficult to imagine what scammers might try. For example, the scammers may claim that the victim has a warrant out for their arrest for supposedly accessing illicit content on the internet. Then the scammers could tell the victim the warrant could be resolved if the victim makes a payment. As mentioned above, this is usually requested through non-traditional means like gift cards or cryptocurrency.

  Like all law enforcement impersonation scams, the CISA wants to remind everyone that no legitimate government agency will ever ask for payment in cash, cryptocurrency, or gift cards over the phone. If you receive such a request, it’s a scam.

  For more information on how to stay safe from scams and to report suspicious activity, visit the official CISA website.

   
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  Geebo 8:03 am on June 11, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: BEC scam ( 5 ), business email compromise ( 11 ), impersonation scam, Scams ( 1,368 )   

  Town loses half a million to scammers 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of cybercrime, Arlington, Massachusetts, a picturesque town located just six miles northwest of Boston, recently fell victim to a sophisticated cyberattack, resulting in the loss of nearly half a million dollars from the town’s coffers.

  The town, home to approximately 46,000 residents, was targeted in what is known as a business email compromise (BEC). Perpetrators used phishing, spoofing, social engineering, and compromised email accounts to facilitate wire fraud totaling close to $450,000.

  The cybercriminals orchestrated their attack by impersonating a vendor the town often does business with. Town employees received legitimate emails from this vendor concerning issues with processing payments. Unbeknownst to the town, cybercriminals had compromised some town employee user accounts and were closely monitoring email communications. They seized this opportunity to impersonate the vendor using a deceptively genuine-looking email domain, requesting a switch in payment method from check to electronic funds transfer.

  Upon discovering the fraud, the town immediately alerted law enforcement agencies and its banking institution. A digital forensics investigation was launched. The town’s banking institution managed to recoup a mere $3,308, roughly 6% of the total stolen amount.

  Town governments are not the only targets of BEC scams. Any business can fall victim if their emails are compromised, potentially impacting not only the businesses themselves, but also the residents of these towns and the customers of these companies.

  One of the preferred targets of BEC scammers is mortgage lenders. In these cases, scammers will email home buyers using the lender’s email address. The home buyers are then instructed to wire their down payment or closing costs to the scammers, believing they are communicating with their legitimate lender.

  However, recipients of compromised emails can protect themselves.

  Always double-check the sender’s email address for any discrepancies or unusual characters. Scammers often use email addresses that closely resemble legitimate ones.

  Contact the sender directly using a known, trusted phone number or email address to confirm the authenticity of any requests, especially those involving financial transactions.

  As the town of Arlington takes steps to enhance its cybersecurity defenses, other municipalities and organizations should heed this incident as a cautionary tale and proactively bolster their own measures to safeguard against potential cybercriminal activities.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on June 7, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bank scam ( 70 ), couriers ( 4 ), impersonation scam, Scams ( 1,368 )   

  More scammers show up at the doors of the elderly 

  

  By Greg Collier

  An elderly North Las Vegas resident recently fell victim to a sophisticated scam, resulting in the loss of thousands of dollars within minutes. The scam began with a call from what appeared to be her bank. The resident noticed suspicious activity in her account after receiving the call. Upon checking her online banking account, she discovered two fraudulent charges amounting to thousands of dollars. The caller, pretending to be a bank representative, informed her that immediate action was needed to secure her account.

  The caller explained that due to increased fraud, they would send a courier to collect her card. Within ten minutes, a supposed courier arrived at her front door with a fictitious access code. Believing the situation to be legitimate, she handed over her card. The scammer, captured on video, cut the card in half and placed it in an envelope.

  The scammers had all her information, including her address, which they confirmed with her. She remained on the phone with the initial caller throughout the exchange. However, moments after handing over her card, she was locked out of her online bank account. Realizing something was amiss, she promptly hung up the call.

  She immediately contacted her real bank, closed her accounts, and changed her passwords. Despite her quick response, nearly $9,000 had already been stolen. The bank confirmed that the scammers had already infiltrated her account when they first made contact. Obtaining her card’s chip was merely the final step in their elaborate scheme. She remains hopeful that her bank will reimburse the stolen $9,000, but has yet to receive the funds.

  Protecting yourself from scams, especially sophisticated ones like the one described, requires a combination of awareness, skepticism, and proactive measures. Here are some steps to safeguard against such scams.

  Always verify the identity of the caller by hanging up and calling your bank directly using a phone number from their official website or your bank statement. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to prompt hasty decisions. Be wary of any call that requires immediate action, especially if it involves your financial information.

  If someone shows up at your door claiming to be from your bank or any other service, do not hand over any personal items or information. Verify their identity by contacting the organization directly.

  By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of scams and protect your personal and financial information.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 29, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: bitcoin atm ( 25 ), impersonation scam, pop-ups ( 26 ), Scams ( 1,368 ), tech support scam ( 50 )   

  Victim loses $1 million to pop-up scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  An intricate scam is currently affecting residents in Kansas City, Missouri, leading to significant financial losses. The local police department has issued a public warning after at least one individual lost over $1 million due to this fraudulent scheme.

  The scam initiates with a deceptive pop-up message appearing on a computer screen. This message falsely claims that the device is malfunctioning and provides a phone number for supposed tech support. When the number is dialed, the person on the other end asserts that the victim’s computer and financial information have been compromised.

  To make the situation appear legitimate, another scammer impersonates a government official. This imposter instructs the victim to liquidate their assets into gold bars or transfer funds to a Bitcoin ATM. Adding another layer of deception, the scammers offer to send a courier to collect the gold, claiming it is for asset safeguarding.

  The reported victims of this scam are all between the ages of 65 and 80, making seniors particularly vulnerable to such schemes.

  Local detectives are not working in isolation. They are collaborating with various law enforcement agencies across the country to identify and apprehend those responsible for this scam.

  If you encounter this fraudulent activity but have not experienced financial loss, it is crucial to report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at https://ic3.gov. Those who have fallen victim to this scam and lost funds should immediately contact their local police department for assistance.

  Be cautious of unexpected pop-up messages claiming that your computer is facing issues. Avoid calling phone numbers or following instructions provided in such pop-ups. Always verify the information through official or known channels. Never transfer money or assets based on instructions from unsolicited messages or calls. Before taking any action suggested by unexpected alerts, consult a trusted friend or family member who is more technically knowledgeable.

  By understanding the details of this scam and taking appropriate preventive measures, residents can protect themselves from falling prey to such deceptive tactics. Reporting any suspicious activity helps law enforcement agencies track and shut down these fraudulent operations, safeguarding the community from further harm.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 22, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: impersonation scam, Microsoft ( 21 ), pop-ups ( 26 ), Scams ( 1,368 ), tech support scam ( 50 )   

  A Microsoft employee is not coming to your home to collect money 

  

  By Greg Collier

  For years, scams thrived in the digital shadows, but the landscape is shifting. Traditionally safe havens like our homes are no longer immune, with a troubling rise in scammers taking a physical approach. Preying on the vulnerable and unsuspecting, these fraudsters are turning up on doorsteps, demanding cash or valuables under false pretenses. This aggressive tactic adds a frightening new layer to the ever-evolving world of scams. These personal invasions intensify the financial impact and significantly heightens the emotional distress experienced by the victims.

  For example, a new and particularly insidious fraud scam has emerged in Asheville, North Carolina, catching the attention of both local law enforcement and cybersecurity experts. According to the Asheville Police Department (APD), suspects are now posing as Microsoft employees after hacking into victims’ personal computers. This scam stands out due to its in-person element, which is becoming less of a rarity in the realm of fraud.

  The scheme typically begins with a pop-up message on the victim’s computer, falsely claiming that the system has been locked or frozen. The message prompts the victim to call a number purportedly linked to Microsoft. Once contact is made, the scammers, posing as Microsoft representatives, instruct the victims to withdraw cash from their bank accounts. In a bold escalation, an individual claiming to be a Microsoft employee then arrives at the victim’s residence to collect the money, setting this scam apart from more common remote fraud tactics.

  Microsoft, along with other large technology companies, does not send representatives to individuals’ homes to collect payments or resolve technical issues. These companies operate through official communication channels such as verified emails, phone calls from authenticated support centers, and secure online platforms. Any request for personal information, financial details, or payments through home visits is not a legitimate practice of these companies.

  Never trust unsolicited tech support calls or pop-ups. Verify company representatives directly. If someone claims to be from Microsoft (or any other company), don’t give out personal information or money. Look up the company’s official contact details and reach out directly.

  The emergence of scammers coming directly to victims’ homes introduces a new level of danger and urgency in combating fraud. This approach not only threatens financial security, but also poses significant personal safety risks. Allowing an unknown individual into one’s home under false pretenses can lead to confrontational or even violent encounters. It is crucial to remain cautious and skeptical of any unexpected visitors claiming to represent companies or requesting personal information.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 15, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: guns ( 14 ), impersonation scam, IRS ( 24 ), Scams ( 1,368 ), tax scam ( 11 )   

  Armed IRS scammer meets victim in parking lot 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In recent years, scammers have grown increasingly bold in their efforts to extort money. While many scams continue to be executed online or over the phone, a new and more audacious group of scammers is now showing up at meetings with victims to collect their illicit gains in person. This brazen approach significantly heightens the danger for victims, particularly when firearms are involved.

  This week, a 51-year-old Michigan woman was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She was allegedly involved in an elaborate scam aimed at intimidating victims into believing they were under investigation for tax fraud.

  The mastermind behind the scam was a man the suspect met online. He initiated the scheme by sending a text message to the victim, purportedly from the IRS, claiming the victim was under investigation for filing a fraudulent tax return. The victim was then threatened with a federal arrest.

  The scammer provided the suspect with fake documents, including an FBI arrest warrant and an IRS receipt. She delivered these documents to a parking lot, where she was tasked with collecting $60,000 from the victim. In return, she was promised $2,500 of the proceeds.

  To make the charade seem more convincing, the suspect carried an authentic police badge issued to someone else in Michigan. Most alarmingly, she was armed with a fully loaded firearm, which she kept in a holster.

  Whenever a firearm is involved in a situation like this, the outcome can be highly unpredictable and potentially violent. The best protection against such scenarios is to recognize the typical signs of a scam.

  In this particular scenario, it’s important to remember that the IRS will never call, text, or email you. If there is an issue with a tax return, the IRS will only communicate through a letter sent by mail. Additionally, they will never send someone to meet you to collect a payment, especially not in a parking lot. Anyone claiming to be from the government and arranging to meet you for money is a scammer.

  It is recommended that anyone who engages with a message like this should contact their local police immediately.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 14, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: FTC ( 16 ), impersonation scam, impostor scam ( 15 ), Scams ( 1,368 ), social security ( 29 ), SSA ( 4 )   

  FTC issues Social Security impersonation scam warning 

  

  By Greg Collier

  One of the most sensitive pieces of personal information is a Social Security number. If a malicious individual were to obtain someone’s Social Security number through illegal means, it could lead to financial devastation due to identity theft. While identity theft is a serious crime, it is important to note, as per the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), that no one can commit a crime using your Social Security number alone. This might sound perplexing, so let us clarify.

  The FTC recently issued a warning about impersonation scams. As the name suggests, these scams involve scammers pretending to be a government agency to extort money from their victims. In this case, scammers are impersonating the Social Security Administration (SSA).

  Scammers will call their victims, claiming to be from the SSA, while spoofing the SSA’s phone number on caller ID. They tell the victim that their Social Security number has been used in a crime, such as money laundering or drug trafficking, and that an arrest warrant has been issued for the Social Security cardholder.

  However, the scammers will pretend to want to help the victim. They advise the victims to protect their money from being seized by law enforcement by withdrawing it from the bank and converting it to gold. Then, an “agent” of the SSA will come by to collect the gold for safekeeping.

  In the FTC’s latest warning, they emphasize that this is nothing more than a scam. They clarify that no one can use your Social Security number to commit crimes in your name. They also stress that anyone who instructs you to buy gold, withdraw cash, and give it to someone is a scammer.

  If someone receives a call like this, the FTC advises them to hang up and report it on the FTC’s Report Fraud webpage. They also recommend that if someone is coming to your home to collect money or gold, you should contact your local police department.